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    Success Story: Renika Williams

    Workforce Solutions East Texas • December 12, 2024

    How a change in her career path led her to becoming the new Workforce Solutions Mobile Unit Driver

    Renika Williams found herself at a turning point in life. With her children growing older, she knew it was time for a change—a change that would not only offer stability but also give her the freedom to balance her family life and career. After spending years working in customer service, Renika realized that she needed something more—a new path that would allow her to thrive and provide better opportunities for her and her family. That’s when she stumbled upon Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and the beginning of a life-changing journey.


    From the moment Renika enrolled in the WIOA program, it was clear that she was ready to take on the challenge. She approached everything with a sense of excitement and eagerness. Her determination was undeniable, especially when she aced the initial assessments with flying colors, impressing everyone with her dedication and drive. It wasn’t long before Renika was enrolled in the CDL program at TSTC, marking the first big step toward her dream.


    The journey wasn’t always easy, but Renika embraced each hurdle with an open heart and mind. Her favorite part of the training was the hands-on experience—driving the trucks, physically shifting the gears, and learning to handle the vehicle with confidence. It was in those moments, behind the wheel, that she felt a sense of empowerment she had never experienced before. She was no longer just dreaming about change; she was making it happen.


    Throughout her training, Renika remained focused on her goal. She was excited, motivated, and passionate about her future. She knew that with each passing day, she was building the foundation for the life she had always envisioned. And when she completed her CDL training, she didn’t stop there. She took her newfound skills and applied for a Mobile Unit Driver position with WSET—the same company that had guided her every step of the way through her career journey.

    And to her delight, she got the job!

    

    Now, Renika enjoys the stability for which she had longed. She has the work-life balance she desired, with more time to spend with her family. The long hours of customer service are behind her, and in their place is a fulfilling career that brings both financial security and the joy of helping others. She is proud of the life she’s built and the steps she’s taken to transform her future.


    “Just go for it!” Renika says, reflecting on her journey. “Set no limits on what you can accomplish. Don’t hold yourself back. The opportunities are there—you just have to grab them.”


    Renika’s success story is not just about a career change; it’s a testament to the power of determination, self-belief, and the support of a program and people that truly care about their participants. From a woman eager for change to a confident, thriving Mobile Unit Driver, Renika Williams has proven that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She didn’t just change her career—she transformed her entire life and now works alongside the very team that helped her make it happen. 

    By Lindsay Vanderbilt March 17, 2025
    The Texas labor market achieved new record highs for both jobs and the civilian labor force in January. The state added 27,900 positions over the month, reaching a total of 14,236,400 nonfarm jobs. Texas added 187,700 jobs from January 2024 to January 2025, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 1.3 percent. January marks 55 of 57 months of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force, which achieved another new record high of 15,750,800 after adding 23,100 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 351,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent. “With more than 187,000 jobs added over the year, Texas’ continued growth shows the strength of the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Our commitment to a skilled workforce is essential to the state’s continued economic success.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in January after adding 9,700 jobs. In addition, Professional and Business Services added 3,700 jobs over the month and Mining and Logging added 2,300. “New opportunities are emerging every day in Texas, and we must be prepared to seize them as a pathway to long-term growth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, Alberto Treviño III. “TWC recognizes that the needs of job seekers are diverse, and we offer a variety of programs to help Texans achieve their career goals.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.0 percent in January, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.1 percent and the San Angelo MSA at 3.3 percent. “Texas continues to attract new and expanding businesses across a wide range of industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “We encourage employers to explore TWC programs like the Skills Development Fund, so they can develop their workforce to compete in a global market.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for February is scheduled to be released on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
    By Workforce Solutions East Texas February 24, 2025
    Workforce Solutions East Texas is seeking the public's input on its 5-year development plan to support regional economic growth and self-sufficiency by providing a first-class workforce for businesses and supporting the growth of local industries. The development plan outlines goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce and education services for youth and impaired individuals seeking employment. The Board will accept public comments for a 21-day period beginning February 24, 2025. Mission The mission of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board is to improve the quality of life through economic development by providing a first-class workforce for present and future businesses. Vision Workforce Solutions East Texas has active economic development with a premier workforce attracting and supporting growth of businesses and industry. For public comments, please click here to contact Gary Allen.
    A woman is standing next to a woman sitting at a desk in a classroom.
    By Workforce Solutions East Texas February 11, 2025
    Workforce Solutions East Texas is bringing back its highly anticipated Windows of Opportunity Job Fair on February 13, 2025. This event will take place simultaneously across all five Workforce Solutions East Texas offices, providing job seekers with direct access to hiring agents from a wide range of industries. The job fair serves as a crucial bridge between local talent and top employers, facilitating face-to-face interactions that allow candidates to explore career opportunities, network with industry professionals, and even secure interviews on the spot. Whether you're looking for a new job, considering a career change, or just starting your job search, the event offers a great opportunity to tap into the vibrant job market of East Texas. The Windows of Opportunity Job Fair will feature a diverse range of employers eager to connect with job seekers in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and more. Below is a list of participating employers by location: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Longview Workforce Center 1905 W. Loop 281, Suite 40 , Longview, TX 75604  Express Spherion Staffing Elwood Staffing West Fraser Crossroads Family Care Trinity Rail Thomas Oilfield Services Texas Department of Public Safety Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Longview Community Healthcore 1st Choice Personnel TDCJ Always Best Care Senior Services Cato City of Longview Athens Workforce Center 205 N. Murchison, Suite 101, Athens, TX 75751 Get A Handyman Volt Dr. Power Washer VRS New Health Concept Inc. Henderson Co. Help Center Park Highlands Nursing and Rehabilitation Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office TDCJ Met-Motivation, Education and Training Consolidate Tank U.S. Army Providence Equipment Tyler Workforce Center 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703 Baker Ripley Christus Health TDCJ TVC Tyler Pipe Jarvis Christian University Tyler ISD Concentrix New Health Concept Inc. Hood Packaging Elwood Staffing Spherion Staffing Hall Buick and GMC Tarrant Co. Sheriff’s Office At Home Healthcare Express Employment Professionals Community Healthcore Austin Bank Cricket Wireless PI Tape Texas Brookshire’s Grocery Baylor PD Amer Technology 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Palestine Workforce Center 500 E. Murchison St., Palestine, TX 75801 AOF Industries TDCJ Intouch Financial Group Verdant Technologies Pentecom U.S. Army Marshall Workforce Center 4300 E. End Blvd. S., Marshall, TX 75671 Blackburn Syrup TDCJ Boys and Girls Clubs Christus (Multiple Positions) DATCS LLC Mark your calendars for February 13, 2025, and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to advance your career at the Windows of Opportunity Job Fair.
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